Pundits not impressed

[LACatFan]

Expectations are reasonable given that we have arguably the hardest schedule in the Big Ten and that nobody knows when CT will be available.

Oddsmakers have us as underdogs versus Purdue.

If we beat Purdue and start the season strongly, then expectations will be revamped. The same is true about CT's situation, if he's back early in the season and playing like he has the past 3 seasons... then expectations will change.

Of course, even if we start the season off poorly, that doesn't mean we'll finish 4-8; last year was a great example of that.

From what I saw, it's a 4.5-point spread and that includes the 3-point benefit that Purdue gets for home field advantage. There will be movement on the odds, either way, as the game gets closer (stating the obvious).

Looking at Purdue, though, I'm just not that worried. Yea, Brohm is a good coach. But both of the Boiler's QBs (Sindelar and Blough) are coming off of injuries themselves, and their receiving corp is a question mark. The pundits point to Purdue's RB depth as their strength, but I like how NU matches up against that threat. And on the defensive side of the ball the Boilers have to replace, what., 8 starters? Against NU's improved O-line (fingers crossed), behind which will be the elusive and speedy Larkin?

I don't expect to see Thorson starting on Aug.30th. But I still like NU's chances to come out of Ross Ade with the W.

 

[eastbaycat99]

From what I saw, it's a 4.5-point spread and that includes the 3-point benefit that Purdue gets for home field advantage. There will be movement on the odds, either way, as the game gets closer (stating the obvious).

Looking at Purdue, though, I'm just not that worried. Yea, Brohm is a good coach. But both of the Boiler's QBs (Sindelar and Blough) are coming off of injuries themselves, and their receiving corp is a question mark. The pundits point to Purdue's RB depth as their strength, but I like how NU matches up against that threat. And on the defensive side of the ball the Boilers have to replace, what., 8 starters? Against NU's improved O-line (fingers crossed), behind which will be the elusive and speedy Larkin?

I don't expect to see Thorson starting on Aug.30th. But I still like NU's chances to come out of Ross Ade with the W.

This could be an ugly game, particularly if Thorson doesn't play. First games are often sloppy, and as you pointed out, Purdue will have a lot of new starters on the defensive side of the ball, and Cats will have 3 new starters in the secondary. This really could be a festival of breakdowns, and not be indicative of what the rest of the season will bring.
Having said this, I think there are some potential upsides for the Cats. If Thorson plays, that is an upside all on its own; while a loss would hurt if it happens, I really don't think Purdue will top the conference, and so the Wisconsin and Iowa games are probably more important, and it could still be a good season. If he does play, though, I think the Cats are favorites. If Thorson doesn't play, whoever does will get their feet wet, which could make a difference down the road. A win with a backup QB playing would really raise my expectations for the season quite a bit.

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

This could be an ugly game, particularly if Thorson doesn't play. First games are often sloppy, and as you pointed out, Purdue will have a lot of new starters on the defensive side of the ball, and Cats will have 3 new starters in the secondary. This really could be a festival of breakdowns, and not be indicative of what the rest of the season will bring.
Having said this, I think there are some potential upsides for the Cats. If Thorson plays, that is an upside all on its own; while a loss would hurt if it happens, I really don't think Purdue will top the conference, and so the Wisconsin and Iowa games are probably more important, and it could still be a good season. If he does play, though, I think the Cats are favorites. If Thorson doesn't play, whoever does will get their feet wet, which could make a difference down the road. A win with a backup QB playing would really raise my expectations for the season quite a bit.

McGee and Pace have both played a ton of ball for us at safety and both are expected to be back healthy for Purdue. Even our candidates to play corner have played a lot of ball. I'm not terribly worried about assignments in our secondary, except to the extent that it will be MacPherson's first game coaching the group. Even then, Hankwitz should have everyone ready to roll. He's a perfectionist.

 

[eastbaycat99]

McGee and Pace have both played a ton of ball for us at safety and both are expected to be back healthy for Purdue. Even our candidates to play corner have played a lot of ball. I'm not terribly worried about assignments in our secondary, except to the extent that it will be MacPherson's first game coaching the group. Even then, Hankwitz should have everyone ready to roll. He's a perfectionist.

I like your confidence!

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

I like your confidence!

Our defense loses some key pieces in Iggy, Queiro, and Lancaster, but I think we have plenty of viable candidates to pick up the slack. Plus I've just learned not to be terribly worried about our defense so long as Hank is at the helm.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

Our defense loses some key pieces in Iggy, Queiro, and Lancaster, but I think we have plenty of viable candidates to pick up the slack. Plus I've just learned not to be terribly worried about our defense so long as Hank is at the helm.

My only worry with the D is health (that's always a worry with me but even more so this year with halls injury) and that Lancaster isn't a guy you replace you just hope everyone else steps up and it evens out. (Nothing against current D line at all they're gonna be very good!) Otherwise ya, like your previous post safety I'm not that worried even tho we lose some very solid talent I love the youth this team has... I'm excited.

 

[Overly_Invested_Cat]

Regardless of his return date, I think we'll be okay against Purdue. In CT's first season he threw very, very few passes. I suspect that our Green/Smith/Marty will fill in admirably as game managers, if not a pleasant surprise. I feel better knowing that we have an experienced offensive line, a deep crop of running backs and a solid defense. Go 'Cats!